Pan seared tuna steaks are an easy way to create a fancy looking meal at home! This delicious Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Soy Sauce is the perfect way to elevate your poke bowls or to enjoy on its own.

Seared tuna is a delicious protein that takes a only minutes to prepare. I love to make this for the family to enjoy a quick and healthy meal for weeknights that feel fancy! The best part about this flavorful meal is that it is so quick and easy to prepare. It is now one of my go-to fifteen minute recipes!

What is Ahi Tuna?

There are two main types of tuna - yellowfin and bluefin. Yellowfin tuna is also called ahi tuna or saku tuna. It is specific species of tuna that is found in tropic and sub-tropic oceans world wide. It is closely related to bigeye tuna and is often used in sushi. This is my favorite type of tuna to use for this dish.

You could also use bluefin tuna, however it is much more expensive, and has a very similar flavor and texture to ahi tuna. For those reasons I think it is best to use Ahi tuna for this recipe.

Tuna is one of the best dietary sources of vitamin D with almost half of your recommended daily intake in only three ounces! It is also a great source of iron, vitamin B6, and potassium. This recipe for rare tuna steak is a great way to get lean protein into your diet that includes a ton of nutritional benefits.

Is it Safe to Eat Raw Tuna?

Yes, it is generally safe to eat tuna that is not fully cooked or rare in the middle as long as you buy sushi or sashimi grade tuna and handle it correctly. Sashimi grade tuna has been flash frozen to eliminate parasites. If you want to use fresh tuna for this recipe, only use it if you trust its source, live close to where it was caught, and cook it quickly after you buy it.

Where to Get Ahi Tuna

Tuna is generally easy to find. You can source it in the freezer section of your local grocery store or fish market. Make sure you purchase frozen sashimi or sushi-grade tuna that has vacuum sealed in plastic wrapping.

How to Thaw Frozen Fish

When working with raw fish, it is important to make sure we handle it carefully for food safety. Remove the sushi grade tuna from the packaging and place in a shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and poke holes in the wrap to let some air flow through. Place in the fridge and let sit overnight or up to one day to thaw. Do not thaw on the counter top for any more than two hours, as this can allow for bacteria to form.

What Do I Need to Make the Best Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Soy Sauce

While the full ingredients list is available below, here is what you will need to make this delicious ahi tuna recipe.

For the Tuna:

• Ahi tuna steaks
• Panko bread crumbs
• Sesame seeds
• Avocado oil spray

For the Dipping Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Sriracha
• Toasted sesame oil
• Half fat mayonnaise

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice

How to Sear Tuna Steaks

While the full recipe instructions are available below, here are some tips to make one of my favorite easy recipes!

• First, season tuna with a little bit of salt and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs and sesame seeds. Coat each tuna steak in the bread crumb and sesame seed mixture.
• I would also recommend mixing the sauce at this stage too, since the raw ahi tuna will get seared very quickly. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and mayonnaise and set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, spray with avocado oil and place the seasoned tuna fillet in the hot pan. Cook the tuna, without disturbing it for approximately two minutes per side depending on how rare you want your tuna to be. You want to get a nice sear and toasted sesame seeds on the sides of the fish, with a nice raw center. Since we are going to be searing the fish at high heat, I do not recommend using olive oil since it has a low smoke point. Avocado oil or sesame oil will be much better suited for this recipe.
• Once you have seared your tuna, remove it from the pan and let it sit for a minute. Using a sharp knife, cut the tuna into thin slices and serve drizzled with the sauce. Enjoy!

What Does Seared Tuna Taste Like?

Seared tuna is one of my favorite ways to enjoy this type of fish. It has a crispy almost charred flavor and texture on the outside, with a soft and buttery texture in the middle. When properly seared, the tuna has a mild flavor that is tender and a little oily. This one of my favorite healthy tuna recipes for the incredible flavor the tuna has when seared and served raw in the middle!

What to Serve with Seared Ahi Tuna

These gorgeous ahi tuna steaks are an easy dinner idea that you can pair with so many different side dishes! Some side dishes I love when enjoying the best tuna ever includes:

• A fresh salad
• Over a bed of white rice and veggies
• With a simple side of sautéed green beans

The options are endless and you will surely enjoy this little taste of gourmet prepared in your own kitchen!

Other Simple Fish Recipes You Will Love

If you loved this recipe and are looking for more, check these quick links for the best recipes to prepare for fish!

• Healthy Mediterranean Baked Fish
• Sheet Pan Pesto Fish and Potatoes
• Baked Whole Wild Salmon
• Simple Lemon Butter Cod with Thyme
• Miso Sablefish (Black Cod)